Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive: Full Day Tour from SF

based on 1922 reviews

Duration:12 hours (approx.)
Location: San Francisco, California

From $127

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Cruise along California's spectacular coastline on a relaxing day trip from San Francisco. Follow Highway 1 and enjoy stops at Pigeon Point Lighthouse and in Davenport for a quick coffee and snack.
Back on the road traveling by Monterey Bay and Peninsula, to the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium and Steinbeck's Cannery Row. Explore Monterey's charming shops or choose to go to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Two hours is ample time for pictures and Instagram posts of everything you are experiencing.
See the stunning estates of 17-Mile Drive, as well as Bird Rock, Lone Cypress, and world famous, Pebble Beach Golf Course.
Arriving in Carmel-by-the-Sea, known for the museums and library of the historic Carmel Mission, and the fairytale cottages, and galleries of its village like center.
11 hours of breathtaking sightseeing, unique shopping, historical landmarks, mouth-watering culinary innovation.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Pacific Coast Highway
The lighthouse, constructed in 1871, serves as a guiding beacon for ships navigating the Pacific coast of California. It proudly stands as the tallest lighthouse along the West Coast of the United States and continues to play an active role in assisting the Coast Guard in navigation. During the journey, travelers will have the chance to disembark from the bus to capture memorable photos with the lighthouse as their backdrop or enjoy a brief stroll down to the nearby beach.
2. Pigeon Point Light Station
Tallest lighthouse on the west Coast of the United States. it is still an active Coast Guard aid to navigation. Explore the lighthouse or a quick walk down to the beach.
3. Davenport
The bus conveniently stops directly in front of the Davenport Cafe, which takes its name from the historical figure Captain John Pope Davenport. Captain Davenport settled at El Jarro Point, which is roughly half a mile away from the present-day town. This cafe is an excellent spot to take a break, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy some snacks. Additionally, travelers are welcome to make use of the cafe's restroom facilities.
4. Monterey Bay
The Monterey Bay is situated along the California coast, to the south of the major cities of San Francisco and San Jose. At the north end of the bay lies Santa Cruz, while at the southern tip of the Monterey Peninsula, you'll find Monterey.
5. Cannery Row
Cannery Row, located in the New Monterey section of Monterey along the waterfront, was once home to thriving sardine canning factories. Today, Cannery Row has transformed into a popular tourist destination, featuring numerous restaurants and shops. As you drive through this historic district, you'll be heading towards the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is situated by the beautiful Monterey Bay. This is the designated stopping point for the Monterey segment of the tour. Here, travelers will have a generous 2-hour window of free time to explore several attractions, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, various restaurants, and stores. This ample time allows travelers to leisurely enjoy lunch, soak in the sights, and then proceed to the next destinations of 17-Mile Drive and Carmel. Note: Monterey Bay Aquarium (tickets must be purchased separately and reserved prior to departure date from the official Monterey Bay Aquarium website: www.montereybayaquarium.org)
6. 17-Mile Drive
The 17-Mile Drive is a picturesque loop that winds through the private Pebble Beach community on the Monterey Peninsula. Along the way, travelers will be treated to stunning coastal vistas featuring pristine coves and sandy beaches. While the drive itself doesn't require much time, there are numerous designated stops where you can capture breathtaking photos. It's important to note that this attraction may be temporarily closed during certain annual events, including the PGA Tour in February and the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance car show in August.
7. Bird Rock Vista Point
This bustling wildlife hub is teeming with a vibrant population of birds, harbor seals, and noisy sea lions. Bird Rock, once buried under 4 to 5 feet of pelican and cormorant guano until 1930, was cleared for use as fertilizer. Subsequently, sea lions have claimed this cleared perch as their sunbathing spot, and they've been enjoying it ever since.
8. Lone Cypress
Standing proudly on a granite hillside, the Lone Cypress is a remarkable Monterey Cypress tree. This iconic tree holds the distinction of being one of the most photographed trees in all of North America. It stands sentinel between two renowned golf courses, the Cypress Point Club and the Pebble Beach Golf Links, both of which are among the world's most famous. The Lone Cypress is estimated to be around 250 years old and bears the scars of past fires. To ensure its stability, it has been anchored in place with cables for the past six decades. Travelers will have the opportunity to disembark from the bus at this spot, offering them an excellent chance to capture memorable photographs of this enduring natural wonder.
9. Pebble Beach Golf Links
Pebble Beach Golf Links is internationally renowned as one of the most stunning golf courses globally, as it gracefully embraces the rugged coastline and offers expansive vistas of Carmel Bay, which opens up to the vast Pacific Ocean. This prestigious course hosts annual events by the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions. During your visit, travelers will have the opportunity to disembark from the bus and enjoy some time either in the clubhouse or exploring the souvenir shop. Please note that certain closures may occur due to annual events, such as the PGA Tour AT&T Pro-Am in February.
10.
Small beach community on California's Monterey Peninsula. The Scenic Bluff Path runs from surf spot Carmel Beach to bird-rich Carmel River State Beach.
11. Carmel Plaza
Situated in the charming heart of downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Plaza offers a unique blend of fashion boutiques, specialty natural brands, exceptional dining establishments, gourmet shops, wine tasting rooms, salons, wellness studios, and much more, all within a relaxed and refined environment. During this stop, travelers will have the opportunity to disembark from the bus and enjoy a generous 60 minutes of free time to explore the offerings at Carmel Plaza at their leisure.

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : Bec_W
Really good tour. Totally enjoyed seeing the sights of the California coast. Our guide was lovely. My only suggestion for improvement is to cut 10 minutes off the time for the 2 big stops during the day and having a short stop for restroom and stretch legs on drive back. The drive back was 3 hours straight which was a little too long. Also maybe a documentary about the area on the tvs on the way back. We have had this on other tours and was great to learn and pass time. Apart from that a great tour.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-13 14:24:37

Posted By : Maria_O
Monterey and Carmel by the sea not to be missed when visiting SF. Felt comfortable with Danilo driving the bus and giving the highlights of trip
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-13 12:21:15

Posted By : Christopher_G
The pickup point was easy to find and the operator was very punctual. The driver/guide was very helpful and friendly. There was plenty of stops and the layover times were long enough. We saw baby Sea Lions and Otters the scenery was stunning.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-13 06:43:02

Posted By : Passion_M
The route was beautiful. Some of the comments were unnecessary but the overall trip was enlightening, inspiring, and included lots of amazing history. The driver was very knowledgeable.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-12 15:27:56

Posted By : peacelovejoy44
Our day trip to Monterey, Carmel and the 17 Miles Drive was awesome! Our bus driver shared alot about the vistas we were seeing all along the way, the bus was cool and comfortable, and the stops hi-lited the beauty of California at its best. Thomas, our driver, was very accommodating to our needs and requests and was very kind and patient. Highly recommend this tour. The Fai Family
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-12 09:44:26

Posted By : Derek_T
The trip was spoiled by bad weather, wind and rain until we reached Carmel, which of course is beyond your control. The main purpose I booked this tour was to see where Doris Day once lived as I have been a devoted fan since I was 19. I couldn't get a taxi in town but a local agreed to drive me out to see where she lived, or at least the entrance to her estate. So I was very happy the day turned out fulfilling my dream.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-09 19:32:57

Posted By : Melanie_K
Wonderful trip with an amazing host, Danilo. Wish there was a little more time in Monterey. There is so much to do there.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-08 01:01:51

Posted By : James_G
Even thou it rained most of the day this trip was awesome! The beauty of the Northern California coast is a must see and beautiful. The bus was very comfortable and had a bathroom that was very clean. The driver had great knowledge of many topics especially the history of areas we were seeing and stopping at for breaks along the way. He was a good safe driver too. The lone cypress tree was beautiful as well as the pebble beach golf resort. I’d have to say for me the actual 17 mile pacific coastal highway (toll road Clint Eastwood owns the only privately owned toll road in the USA) was just magnificent in both scenery and the beautiful homes along the coast. A great trip rain or shine without question!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-07 13:13:57

Posted By : Gita_P
Amazing experience and really fun guide! I saw more than I was expecting! Worth to visit and take amazing photos! A+++
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-06 14:21:17

Posted By : V7967RZgrahamk
Montery- If you haven`t booked a trip, it`s pointless visiting, even the coastal bike ride is poor, town front is full of tacky shops, pier is overprices rubbish.
Carmel with it`s lovely buildings, full of over priced art for the locals, is also pointless.
17 mile drive- Pacific coast beaches on one side, nothing on the other.....
We went to both locations specifically to view and experience the towns only.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-05 17:02:58